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I'd recommend either using Brennekes or better yet Dixie Slugs. Most other slugs are made of soft lead and won't get as good penetration. You can get Brennekes at Great Northern, SW doesn't have them. Dixie Slugs have to be purchased online directly from the company. Forget about any buckshot or birdshot theories for big bears.

The first time I shot Brennekes was immediately after the last time I loaded any other type of slug in my shotgun. I would give away the few remaining Foster's-type I have, but I feel a moral responsiblity to my fellow humans.

If you're shooting a smoothbore, you will want the Brenneke Black Magic Magnum 12 / 3" for your purpose here. As you can tell below, it will not be fun at the range practicing, but it will instill confidence in the shell you're using:

Original BRENNEKE “Black Magic” Slug with newly developed unique, patented B.E.T.® wad
PowerWad results in greater accuracy
tremendous knockdown power up to 100 yards
life insurance against dangerous big game and predators at close range
new, specially developed CleanSpeed™ Coating reduces lead fouling inside the barrel, and to zero at the muzzle
one of the heaviest slugs on the market (600 grains / 1 3/8 oz)
very accurate: 2” groups at 50 yards and 3” groups at 100 yards with smoothbore barrels

Brenneke

Dixie

The Dixie's really impress me as I have 10 of them sitting next to the keyboard and a sample slug. I was sent the 600 grain 3" mags. (2,648 ft. lb.) for an imp. cyl. shotgun and some testing this spring.

For the rifled barrel shooter they offer a 730 grain slug at 3176 ft. lbs.

I am a fan of the Brenneke's but I am also a fan of a better mouse trap. I have been shooting slugs for 41 years and the Dixies look great.